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South Carolina to Maine Road Trip — 5-Day Driving Itinerary (Sept 18–22, 2024)

Viewed by 57 travelers

Day 1: Kickoff & Drive

Columbia, SC on September 18, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Melting Pot (or local café)

Start your trip with a relaxed breakfast and strong coffee to fuel the drive; many downtown cafés open by 8:00AM and offer quick, hearty morning options.
USD20, 1h0m.

9:30AM

Walk Columbia Canal & Riverfront Park

Enjoy a peaceful 1–1.5 hour walk along the canal and riverfront to stretch your legs before hitting the highway; the park is open daily and free to access.
USD0, 1h30m.

11:15AM

Lunch at The Whig

Casual lunch spot in downtown Columbia serving sandwiches, salads, and local brews—an easy, quick meal before departure.
USD18, 1h0m.

12:30PM

Start driving to Richmond, VA

Head north on I-77/I-95 toward Richmond, keeping to a steady pace with planned rest stops; expect scenic highway stretches through the Carolinas and Virginia.
USD0, 4h0m.

4:45PM

Hotel check-in and short rest

Check into your Richmond hotel and relax briefly; aim for a centrally located hotel so the evening is walkable.
USD150, 1h0m.

6:30PM

Dinner at Lemaire

Dine at Lemaire for a refined Southern-influenced menu and seasonal ingredients; reservations recommended—kitchen typically open for dinner around 5:00PM.
USD55, 1h30m.

Day 2: Richmond to Philly

Richmond, VA on September 19, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Perly's

Enjoy a hearty deli-style breakfast at this beloved Richmond spot known for bagels and classic breakfast plates; opens early on weekdays.
USD15, 1h0m.

9:30AM

Visit the Virginia State Capitol (exterior & grounds)

Walk the grounds and view the historic building designed by Thomas Jefferson; interior tours are available on weekdays—check current public tour times (typically 9:00AM–5:00PM).
USD0, 1h0m.

11:00AM

Lunch and last-minute provisions

Grab a quick lunch or picnic items for the drive at a nearby café before departing Richmond around midday.
USD15, 1h0m.

12:00PM

Drive to Philadelphia, PA

Travel north on I-95 through Virginia and Maryland into Pennsylvania; anticipate roughly a 4h45m drive depending on traffic—plan a rest stop halfway.
USD0, 4h45m.

5:00PM

Check-in at Philadelphia hotel

Arrive downtown, check in, and refresh—pick a hotel near Old City for easy evening exploration.
USD180, 1h0m.

7:00PM

Dinner at Zahav

Experience modern Israeli cuisine and signature mezze; Zahav is popular—reservations are strongly recommended and service typically runs into the evening.
USD60, 2h0m.

Day 3: History & Transit

Philadelphia, PA on September 20, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at High Street on Market

Start with freshly baked goods, house-brewed coffee, and seasonal breakfast dishes at this popular Market Street bakery-café; opens early for a morning crowd.
USD16, 1h0m.

9:30AM

Tour Independence Hall & Liberty Bell (book ahead)

Explore the birthplace of American independence—Independence Hall offers timed tickets and guided tours, generally available from morning through mid-afternoon.
USD0, 2h0m.

12:00PM

Lunch at Reading Terminal Market

Sample local and international vendors under one roof—perfect for tasting Philly favorites like roast pork sandwiches or ethnic dishes quickly.
USD20, 1h0m.

1:30PM

Drive to New York City, NY

Short interstate drive up I-95/I-78 into the NYC metro; traffic can vary—aim to depart after lunch for an afternoon arrival (approx 2h0m).
USD0, 2h0m.

3:45PM

Check-in at Manhattan hotel

Arrive and check in at a centrally located Manhattan hotel—choose Midtown or East Village to shorten evening transit times.
USD300, 1h0m.

6:00PM

Dinner at Momofuku Noodle Bar

Enjoy iconic ramen and seasonal small plates from David Chang’s original spot; evening service typically starts in the early evening—reservations/waitlist recommended.
USD35, 1h0m.

Day 4: NYC to Maine

New York City, NY on September 21, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Jack's Wife Freda

Light Mediterranean-American breakfast in a lively setting; popular spot—arrive early to avoid a wait.
USD22, 1h0m.

9:30AM

Stroll Central Park (short highlights)

Walk through iconic sections like Bethesda Terrace and the Mall for a quick immersion in green space; park is open dawn to dusk and free to explore.
USD0, 2h0m.

12:00PM

Lunch at Shake Shack or local deli

Grab a classic burger, sandwich, or salad to-go for the upcoming drive—many locations near the park stay open through the afternoon.
USD15, 1h0m.

1:30PM

Drive to Portland, ME (coastal route)

Head northeast on I-95; enjoy changing scenery as you move into New England—expect approximately 5h45m depending on traffic and breaks.
USD0, 5h45m.

7:30PM

Check-in at Portland hotel

Arrive in Portland, check into a hotel near the Old Port or waterfront to maximize evening walking options.
USD180, 1h0m.

8:30PM

Dinner at Eventide Oyster Co.

Sample fresh oysters, lobster rolls, and seasonal seafood at this highly regarded Portland restaurant; dinner service runs late evening—reservations or early arrival advised.
USD50, 1h30m.

Day 5: Explore Portland

Portland, ME on September 22, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Holy Donut

Try Maine’s famous potato donuts and strong coffee at this local favorite; most locations open early for breakfast.
USD10, 1h0m.

9:30AM

Visit Portland Head Light (Fort Williams Park)

Explore the iconic lighthouse, scenic cliffs, and picnic areas—grounds are open year-round and offer excellent Atlantic views and photo ops.
USD0, 2h0m.

12:00PM

Lunch at J's Oyster or Street & Co.

Enjoy classic New England seafood such as clam chowder, oysters, or a lobster roll in the Old Port; many seafood spots open by late morning through afternoon.
USD25, 1h0m.

1:30PM

Wander the Old Port District

Spend the afternoon strolling cobblestone streets, browsing boutiques, galleries, and tasting rooms—perfect for souvenir shopping and casual exploration.
USD0, 2h30m.

4:30PM

Final stroll & departure prep

Take a last waterfront walk or café stop before packing up and departing—end of the 5-day road trip with memorable coastal views and local eats.
USD0, 1h0m.
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